BY MODUPE ABIOLA

The National Organization for Women (NOW) is America’s largest feminist organization. Founded in 1966, NOW consists of 550 chapters throughout the United States and in the nation’s capital, boasting 500.000 members. It is regarded as the main liberal feminist organization in the country, with the focus on lobbying for gender equality, economic justice, reproductive rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and ending violence against women.

Christian F. Nunes, MBA, MS, LCSW, is a dynamic advocate and strategist who made history when she rose to the position of NOW’s President in August 2020. Before this, she served as Vice President, appointed by the board in May 2019. Christian is also the Founder and CEO of Equity Bound Solutions LLC, a consulting firm that focuses on creating equitable and just solutions for corporations and institutions.

As the organization’s only second African American president and the youngest person of color to hold the position in over 40 years, Christian leads NOW’s intersectional mission, rallying grassroots activists against structural sexism and racism. With over two decades of experience advocating for mental health and children’s and women’s issues, Christian’s leadership at NOW has seen the launch of multiple impactful initiatives.

Her thought leadership and intersectional insights have not only made a significant impact but have also earned her features in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Washington Post, The New York Times, CNN, MSNBC, and now The African and many more esteemed outlets, solidifying her credibility and influence.

2024 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

The African: In a press release posted on NOW’s website the day after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election, you wrote: “Donald Trump won by activating a base of voters who chose his racism, misogyny, and xenophobia over unity and democracy.” Do you not believe, as polls after polls during the presidential campaign and exit polls indicated, that the economy was the number 1 issue on the mind of most voters, as is often the case in U.S. presidential elections? I believe economics was a priority for many voters, but not the reason she lost. VP Harris laid out a very clear and detailed economic plan. Clearly, looking at voting, areas where progressives and the democratic vote were typically strong (e.g., the blue wall), the voter turnout was won by Donald Trump. Counties that historically showed democratic turnout and voted for Biden in 2020 and Clinton in 2016 broke history and voted the opposite by voting for Trump. This doesn’t align with economics being the only issue but instead speaks to a country that was not ready to elect a woman of color as president.

Let me then ask you this: Does NOW fear Donald Trump’s return to the White House might translate to loss for women’s rights? Absolutely! The Trump/Vance ticket ran an anti-woman campaign and supported policies that would eliminate a woman’s bodily autonomy and sovereignty. His campaign boasted about federal abortion bans and endorsed Project 2025 policies, which also have proposed policies that detrimentally affect women and girls.  Additionally, he is known to be a convicted sexual abuser and is now putting forth some cabinet nominees who also have alleged histories of abuse against women. I cannot imagine how a Trump administration would look at women’s equality and safety as a priority when the proposed leadership’s behavior is in contrast.

Besides the Trump factor, do you believe America is ready or willing to elect a woman as president? Do you think that is likely to happen in your lifetime? I believe America knows the power and strength that women possess, but sexism and racism are so deeply entrenched in our country’s framework that we would have to be intentional about resolving those original sins before a woman can be elected for president.

According to several surveys, the majority of white women voted for Trump. How do you explain that?

I’m not sure I have an explanation for this. I believe many white women voted in their “best interest” and that the voting decision did not align with voting in solidarity for all women’s best interests.  For example, abortion was on the ballot in 10 states, and seven states passed ballot measures to enshrine abortion access.  However, in those same seven states, the majority also voted to support Trump as president, a person who ran a campaign on enacting a federal abortion ban if he won.  This does not align with the best interest of all women but indicates siloed issue voting.

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NOW’S IMPACT

NOW promotes and supports a slew of initiatives in defense of women: The right to abortion, women’s equal pay, women’s economic security, and much more: Please share with our readers some of your gains in these fights, if any. In our 60-year history, we have had many victories. On the legislative front, we have successfully advocated for the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Voting Rights Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and hundreds more—thousands if you count our grassroots efforts in states.

Not all work is on the legislative front—we bring issues front and center to make change. For example, when sexual harassment claims against NFL football players, Harvey Weinstein, and Bill Cosby came to light, NOW advocated for change within the NFL and corporations, advocating for changed human resources policy. We advocated for the courts to hold these men accountable, too.

Unfortunately, there is always more work NOW can be doing—we are still advocating for the Equal Rights Amendment and abortion rights nationally and in the states. And with the incoming administration, our work is now more critical than ever. The president might take away our rights instantaneously with executive orders. We can’t back down.

What about your actions on the legislative front, whether at the federal level on Capitol Hill or at the state level? Any success to share with our readers? As mentioned above, our legislative victories are numerous. NOW has been called upon by presidents, senators and congresspeople to advocate for their legislative agendas that help women and families. Most recently, we have been involved in a bi-partisan effort to pass federal legislation to protect women from deepfakes online.

Along with the legislation mentioned above, our grassroots activists are always keeping close tabs on activities in their states, too. We are marching and advocating for abortion rights, equal pay and racial justice initiatives throughout the country.

Does NOW impact minority women in a special way? Yes, all our work is driven by an anti-racist and intersectional approach to advocacy, education, and awareness. In working from an intersectional approach, we recognize the unique experiences of women based on their multiple identities and understand how those identities contribute to the level of discrimination and oppression experienced. Centering marginalized communities and the intersecting issues, there is no way we could do our work without centering the experience of black, indigenous people of color. 

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RACE RELATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

You are only the second African American president of this important organization founded in 1966, 58 years ago. What does that say about the organization itself, and racial relations in the country? NOW, like many organizations, can continue to improve its commitment to racial justice, diversity, and inclusion. We have made great strides, but we can continue to work on elevating and creating safe spaces for women of color. I’m proud to serve as the second African American president and hope that it will set a precedent for believing in and supporting black women in leadership in years to come.

As a Black person, do you think you bring anything special to the table? Yes, I bring a firsthand experience of navigating sexism and racism. I have been impacted by racial and gender micro and macroaggressions, as well as the unfortunate consequence of gaps in policies that did not center the experience of BIPOC women [Black, Indigenous, and people of color]. Living those experiences helps me easily identify solutions and uplift stories (as diverse as they are).

MONEY AND SUPPORT

I believe NOW operates solely on donations. How is the organization doing in these times of relative hardships? NOW has a strong base of supporters who believe in and are committed to our work. At the same time, as our country evolves, we are finding additional ways to support our authentic work.

Do you have any message for our readers in that respect? Yes, if you support women’s equality, safety, and gender justice and are looking for a place to contribute, please consider NOW and make a donation at www.now.org/donate to advance our mission.

What are your final words to conclude this interview? I appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed by The African magazine and hope to be a collaborative partner in protecting, empowering, and elevating safe spaces for African diaspora women.